Broken Arrow

4 Reasons Why You Should Care About a Dead Cat

The image was graphic and disturbing, made even more disturbing by the distinct possibility that the cat at the end of the arrow was an owned cat who had been missing for several days. If you have not seen the photo or read the article, here is a link (WARNING: The photo is extremely graphic) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/17/vet-kristen-lindsey-kills-cat-with-arrow_n_7090630.html.

Reaction has been swift, emotional, hostile and even threatening. Besides harm to helpless children, nothing stirs the emotion in people like the abuse of a helpless animal.

What exacerbated the angry reactions was the picture depicting an attractive young veterinarian, sporting an ear-to-ear smile, hoisting a dead cat as if it were a large game trophy and affirming her intentions with her own words by posting, “The only good feral tomcat is one with an arrow through it’s (sic) head.”

Let me assure you, Dr. Lindsey, as someone who has worked in animal welfare for over 13 years, there are thousands who disagree with that assertion and your assumption that there is a marked difference between the humane treatment of a domesticated cat and the inhumane treatment of a feral cat. However, it appears she has already figured that out, as her Facebook page has been completely taken down, and she seems to have gone underground.

But even as the cries for the revocation of Dr. Lindsey’s veterinarian license and threats upon her life trend on social media, there are those who support her right to rid her small part of the world of feral cats, using any means at her disposal to do so.

For me, that is the larger issue and why I feel strongly that we all should care about the gruesome death of Tiger. Here are 4 reasons why:

1. Feral cats originated from domesticated cats. When domesticated cats are not spayed or neutered and allowed to roam, guess what folks, they breed. And breed like rabbits. According to the Humane Society of the United States. (http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/feral_cats/qa/feral_cat_FAQs.html?credit=web_id8357306) a female cat can become pregnant as young as 5 months of age and easily have more than one litter in a year. With numbers like that it is easy to see how quickly one cat can produce unwanted litters. Many of those litters then end up in the wild, where humans have the misguided notion that cats are natural hunters and can easily fend for themselves and become a part of the natural wildlife cycle.
2. There is reliable data to prove that effective Trap-Neuter-Return programs are the most effective way to manage a feral cat problem. Visit one of the most reputable feral cat organizations, Alley Cat Allies, and see their research, much of which has been conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Here is their link: http://www.alleycat.org/page.aspx?pid=667 
3. Killing has never been an effective means of controlling pet overpopulation. If it were, the high kill rates from the 70’s would have eliminated pet overpopulation. Instead, each year the shelters are flooded with unwanted litters of cats and dogs. Spay/neuter has been proven to be the most effective means of controlling pet overpopulation. Visit www.petsmartcharities.org, www.humanealliance.org and www.petsaliveindiana.org to research the data and see how areas of the country have drastically reduced their pet overpopulation by implementing high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter programs. 
4. We created this problem. Whether you’re a cat lover, an animal welfare advocate, a farmer whose cats keep the rodent population at bay, or have never owned, or intend to own, an animal, we are all part of a much bigger world where humans have had a drastic impact on the ebbs and flows of life here on earth. Some of what we have done has been awesome. From creating new technologies to discovering cures for diseases, the list is endless. However, in the words of Agent Smith in the movie The Matrix when sharing his assessment of humans’ disregard of the planet, its resources and the animal kingdom, “Human beings are a disease, a cancer of this planet.” We arrogantly think that dominion over the earth and its inhabitants mean we have the right to disregard life that no longer serves our purpose.

When faced with a choice to be offended by the presence of a stray cat or dog who impedes on your corner of the world, I ask you to consider for one moment what circumstances could have arisen in that animal’s life to cause him or her to be in a situation where his or her survival is solely dependent upon the compassion of the people he or she encounters. None of them, including the feral cat, chose this journey: the journey was chosen for them by a man or woman who minimized the impact his or her actions would have on animals long-term.

I pray you take one second, consider the options and expand your capacity to care. You certainly will not regret it, and it is the right thing to do.